Luis Fabiano admits handball

Luis Fabiano has admitted to using his hand in the build-up to scoring "one of the most beautiful goals" in his career in Brazil's victory over the Ivory Coast.

The Sevilla striker ended his 2010 drought with the national team by hitting a brace as his side comfortably beat the west Africans 3-1 in the much-anticipated encounter at Soccer City to take charge of Group G.

There was plenty of criticism after the game from Elephants boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, who was upset with referee Stephane Lannoy for handing out he described as a "free goal".

But Luis Fabiano said he did not intend handling the ball.

"Well that is true, it seems as though the ball hit my hand," he said. "It seems the ball hit my hand and the second time it hit my shoulder.

"But in order to make the goal more beautiful, there had to be a doubtful element. It was a spectacular goal and I believe it was not a voluntary handball.

"It was a legitimate goal and it was one of the most beautiful goals that I've scored in my career.

"It was magnificent and where better to score such a goal than at the World Cup?"